Infrared Emitting Hair Roller And Methods Of Use

ABSTRACT

A hair roller and roller cover that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that directly affect the disulfide bonds in hair (and may also affect alterations in secondary protein structure). The invention includes methods of perming hair and a kit of infrared emitting hair rollers.

This application claims priority of U.S. 61/172,341, filed Apr. 24,2009, herein incorporated by reference, in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of hair styling. More particularly, it isin the field of hair rollers or curlers for permanent hair shaping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 is herein incorporated by reference, in itsentirety. FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 diagramthe structure of human hair fibers, the protein components of hair, andenergy levels of the disulfide bond.

A fiber of human hair comprises three main morphological components: thecuticle, the cortex, and the cell membrane complex, which itself iscomprised of a protein matrix of keratin peptide chains, such ascysteine. A medulla may also be present. These peptide chains are linkedto each other by disulfide bonds. The natural shape and structuralintegrity of human hair fiber depend on the orientation of the disulfidebonds which link the protein chains. It is generally thought thatalteration of the disulfide bonds is necessary or useful to effect longterm changes in the shape of hair, so that treatments that do notrearrange the disulfide bonds may result only in temporary changes inhair shape. For example, the use of heat and moisture to style hair maycreate temporary waving of the hair. However, the styled hair willreturn to its natural shape after a short time, as a result of exposureto moisture in the air or washing. This is because the use of heat andmoisture to style hair may break and reconfigure hydrogen bonds in thehair, but the disulfide bonds are not substantially affected. It isthought that hydrogen bonds, by themselves, are insufficient to hold theshape of hair for a significant time, because the stronger disulfidebonds eventually force the hair to reassume its original shape. Thus,“perming” the hair may be achieved only by cleaving and reforming thedisulfide bonds.

Hair styling or shaping (i.e. straightening and curling) by treating thehair with chemical agents is well known. These include treatments thatuse reagents to break and reassemble the disulfide bonds that linkprotein molecules in the hair. Such reagents include mercaptans, alkali,aldehydes, etc. These styling methods are multi-step, time consuming andrelatively expensive processes. First, the disulfide bonds are reducedwith a sulfur agent, mechanical stress is applied to rearrange thedisulfide bonds, then new disulfide bonds are constituted by applying anoxidizing agent (i.e. an alkali). Furthermore, chemical treatments,while effective, are considered harsh and damaging to human hair andskin. Some negative effects of hair styling include dry, brittle or limphair; a loss of shine and/or color; damage to the scalp skin and damageto protein bonds in the hair other than the disulfide bonds. Damage tolipids in the exocuticle, swelling of the hair fiber and lifting of thecuticle also occur. Existing products also produce mal odor which is notdesirable. Furthermore, chemical treatments are topically applied in abroad way, meaning that it is difficult to control the number orlocation of the affected disulfide bonds. Also, once the reducing agentis topically applied, the reducing reaction cannot be turned offimmediately. Time is needed to apply the oxidizing agent and stop theprocess.

The use of electromagnetic radiation to change the shape of human hairis also known. There are techniques that use light to directly affectthe disulfide bonds that link protein molecules in the hair, and thereare techniques that use light as an adjunct to other manipulations ofthe disulfide bonds (i.e. to accelerate one or more chemical process).Thus, “directly affect” or “direct effect” mean that a substance emitselectromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by and that excites disulfidebonds, without first being absorbed by some other material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 discloses a method of reshaping human hair byusing electromagnetic radiation to rearrange disulfide bonds within thehair. During the time that the hair is exposed to the electromagneticenergy, stress is applied to the hair. As a result, once the disulfidebond is broken, each S atom is available to form a different bond withsome other dissociated S atom. The structure of the new bond isdetermined in part by the applied stress.

The energy required to raise an isolated disulfide bond from its groundstate to the continuum (i.e. the dissociation energy) is reportedlyabout 2.2 eV. For a given bond that is raised to the continuum (i.e. thebond is cleaved), this energy may be supplied from a single photon orfrom a series of photons. The '490 reference suggests that the energylevels of an isolated S₂ molecule lie within a frequency range of 2×10¹³to 1×10¹⁵ Hz (corresponding to about 0.30 to 15 μm wavelength or about0.08 to 4.13 eV). However, the situation for disulfide bonds in hair, isa little more complex. In hair, the disulfide bonds are not isolated,and the bonding electrons are subject to various forces. On this point,the '490 reference suggests that in hair, disulfide bonds are mostefficiently cleaved when we take advantage of a resonance condition.Thus, '490 suggests a frequency range of 1×10¹³ to 2×10¹⁵ Hz(corresponding to about 0.15 to 30 μm wavelength or 0.04 to 8.3 eV) ispreferred. This range of wavelengths is more than double the range ofwavelengths that one might use to cleave an isolated disulfide bond. Bybombarding hair with photons in this range of resonant frequencies for alength of time, the disulfide bonds will move between their naturalenergy states (or modes of vibration), with a significant number ofbonds being excited to the continuum state, in an amount of time that iscommercially useful.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 fails to disclose methods of treating the hair,as disclosed herein. Furthermore, the '490 patent applies radiation tothe disulfide bonds from complicated high and low frequency wave formgenerators and supporting electronics. In contrast, the hair rollers ofthe present invention are far less complicated in construction and use.

WO/1994/010873 and WO/1994/010874 disclose methods of treating hair, inparticular human head hair, for cosmetic purposes. The hair is exposedto light with an intensity and wavelength chosen so that the proteinstructure of the hair is altered to produce a desired cosmetic effect.In WO/1994/010873 the effect is shaping hair. However, the referencediscloses using light of wavelength 400 to 600 nm (0.4-0.6 μm), whichcovers only a small portion of the low end of the 0.15-30 μm suggestedby the '490 reference. A single photon having wavelength of 400 to 600nm “carries” about 2.05-3.0 eV of energy, which includes the 2.2 eVrequired to raise an isolated disulfide bond from its ground state tothe continuum. However, it is reasonable to expect that a wider range offrequencies disclosed in the '490 patent will be more efficient atcleaving disulfide bonds in hair (as opposed to an isolated S₂ bond),than the narrow range of frequencies disclosed in the '873 reference.

In WO/1994/010874, the cosmetic effect in view, is improved haircoloring. In particular, for the support of the chemical coloring ofhead hairs, light is used having a wavelength between approximately 600nm and 1200 nm, so that a change of enzyme coordinate and/or a change ofthe redox potentials results. It is reported that hair coloring isimproved, i.e. the colors are more brilliant than without influence oflight, and less colorant is necessary than with conventional coloring.600 to 1200 nm (0.6-1.2 μm) is at the low end of the 0.15-30 μmsuggested by the '490 reference, however, hair reshaping is not thedisclosed effect. Clearly, the authors of '873 and '874 have identified0.6-1.2 as useful for hair coloring, but not for hair perming. Whenconsidered together, '873 and '874 suggest that wavelengths above 0.6 μmhave little or no significant effect on permanent hair shaping.Furthermore, WO/1994/010873 and WO/1994/010874 fail to disclose methodsof treating the hair, as disclosed herein. In those references, thelight is supplied from a hood that surrounds the head, similar to a hairdryer hood. A set of laser diodes emit light from the inner surface ofthe hood in the direction of the hair. The hood also comprises at leastone photodiode, the output signal of which, is sent to a control unitthat regulates the laser diodes. The control unit is connected to thehood by a cable. The hood may be fastened to a stand, and the innersurface of the hood is provided with “spring-like” spacers that maintaina minimum distance between inner surface of the hood and the head.Thereby, a correct distance between sources of light and head isguaranteed, so that one receives a continuous effect result. This isunlike the rollers of the present invention, which are directlycontacting the hair and which are nothing like the hood of the '873 and'874 references.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,179 discloses a combination of chemicals andelectromagnetic radiation used to alter the physical characteristics ofkeratinic fibers such as mammalian or human hair. A non-irritating,non-reactive disulfide composition, in the form of a solution or gel, isfirst contacted with the hair. Electromagnetic radiation is then appliedto the hair to photo-chemically convert the disulfide into a dithiol.The dithiol breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair, so that the hair canbe permanently re-shaped. However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,179 fails todisclose infrared emitting rollers and methods of treating the hair, asdisclosed herein. U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,179 does not use electromagneticradiation to directly affect the disulfide bond, to break the bond, asdoes the present invention. Rather, the radiation used is used toconvert free disulfide into dithiol using a reported wavelength of 200to 530 nm (2.3 to 6.2 eV).

U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,653 discloses a method and apparatus for treatingfibers by enclosing them within a resonant cavity to which highfrequency current is supplied, the resonant frequency and impedance ofsaid cavity being matched to that of its supply. This method is reallyan adjunct to a chemical treatment method. U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,653 useshigh frequency radiation to heat hair from the inside, therebyaccelerating the chemical reactions and reducing the time that the hairmust be exposed to the potentially damaging chemicals. The frequency ofradiation disclosed is from 10-4000 MHz, wholly unsuitable for use inthe present invention.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline is an acentric rhombohedral borosilicate characterized bysix-membered tetrahedral rings. It is a semi-precious stone, and acrystal silicate compounded with varying amount of elements such asaluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium.

The compositions of tourmaline vary widely, and one general formula hasbeen written as

XY₃Z₆(T₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃V₃W,

where, X═Ca, Na, K, vacancy; Y═Li, Mg, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn, Al, Cr³⁺, V³⁺,Fe³⁺, Ti⁴⁺; Z═Mg, Al, Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, V³⁺; T=Si, Al, B; B═B, vacancy; V═OH,O; W═OH, F, O (Hawthorne and Henry 1999, Classification of the mineralsof the tourmaline group. European Journal of Mineralogy, 11, 201-215).

Fourteen end-members are recognized by the International MineralogicalAssociation (IMA) and Hawthorne and Henry (1999) have grouped these intothree principal groups, based on the dominant occupancy of the X site.These groups are the alkali group, the calcic group and the X-sitevacant group. The following table with updated information is reproducedfromhttp://www.geol.lsu.edu/henry/Research/tourmaline/TourmalineClassification.htm.

Species (X) (Y₃₎ (Z₆) T₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ V₃ W

Alkali Tourmalines

Elbaite Na Li_(1.5) Al_(1.5) Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ (OH) Schorl Na Fe²⁺₃ Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ (OH) Dravite Na Mg₃ Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃(OH) Olenite Na Al₃ Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (O)₃ (OH) Chromdravite Na Mg₃ Cr₆Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ (OH) Buergerite Na Fe³⁺ ₃ Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (O)₃ FPovondraite Na Fe³⁺ ₃ Fe³⁺ ₄Mg₂ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ O Vanadiumdra Na Mg₃V₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ (OH) vite

Calcic Tourmalines

Liddicoatite Ca Li2Al Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ F Uvite Ca Mg₃ MgAl₅Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ F Hydroxy- Ca Fe²⁺ ₃ MgAl₅ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ (OH)feruvite

X-Site Vacant Tourmalines

Rossmanite — LiAl₂ Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ (OH) Foitite — Fe²⁺ ₂Al Al₆Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃ (OH) Magnesiofoitite — Mg₂Al Al₆ Si₆O₁₈ (BO₃)₃ (OH)₃(OH)

Hawthorne and Henry (1999) also postulate at least 27 other tourmalinesthat have yet to be verified. Thus, in speaking of tourmaline, there aresubstantial differences (as well as similarities) among varieties. Somereported properties of tourmalines include: specific gravity: 2.96-3.31;index of refraction: 1.610-1.735; birefringence: 0.016-0.080;pleochroism: strong in all species; hardness: 7.0-7.5.

In terms of the present invention, performance may vary from one varietyto another. In particular, emissivity and absorption spectra may varyfrom one variety to another. Also, the intensity of emitted radiationand the activation energy may vary from one variety to another. Whenused in particulate form, in compositions of the present invention,these properties of tourmaline will also depend on the particle size andthe concentration.

Tourmaline-Containing Products

The use of tourmaline in hair products is known. For example, a productcalled IB Shield Humidity Lock-Out Shine Spray by Jonathan Productdescribes its use of tourmaline by saying “Tourmaline & Amethyst:Charged ionic crystal blend known to improve shine, smoothness, andmanageability of hair.” Further description includes “Charged ions & FarInfrared energy help revitalize the scalp to maintain optimum hairhealth.”

Hair Flat Iron Fluid by Angles BeautyCare Group contains tourmaline,which the manufacturer asserts, “is claimed to deliver weightlessmoisture and increased absorption for beautifully conditioned hair,protect it against heat damage, reduce static, and provide longerlasting color and gorgeous shine.”

Nothing in the descriptions of these products suggests a hair rollerthat emits infrared light in a wavelength range around 20 μm. Even ifthe tourmaline does radiate in this range, nothing in the prior artsuggests that the intensity is sufficient to achieve a significantpermanent reshaping of human head hair, as it is in the presentinvention. To the best of the applicants' knowledge, in these products,as well as others, tourmaline is not reported to provide hair reshapingbenefits. Hair reshaping is never mentioned.

Tourmaline hair dryers are also known. Such hair dryers containtourmaline crystals that deliver negative ions and far-infrared heat,which, reportedly, dries hair from the inside out. As a result, a personcan dry hair faster, and the hair is left healthy and shiny with optimummanageability. Flat irons for shaping hair are also known to containtourmaline. Typically, it is reported that the tourmaline suppliesnegative ions that yield softer and shinier hair, while infrared heat isassociated with improved hair moisture and luster. Hair brushes withtourmaline are known. Often, the benefit associated with tourmaline isless frizz, due to an ionic effect. None of these appliances, suggeststhat tourmaline emits infrared in the 0.15-30 μm range, at an intensitythat is sufficient to achieve a significant permanent reshaping of humanhead hair. They fail to disclose methods of treating the hair, asdisclosed herein.

Finally, tourmaline hair rollers or curlers are known. For example, theHot Tools Professional 12 Piece Tourmaline Hair Setter product (modelHTS 1400) claims that the tourmaline rollers “emit ions for shimmeringstyles”. Another hair roller product by Hot Tools Professional, the NanoCeramic™ Wax-Core Professional Hairsetter, does not use tourmaline.Rather, the “Nano-Ceramic™ Technology radiates far-infrared energy forincreased shine. In either case, these appliances do not suggestsupplying the hair with infrared in the 0.15-30 μm range, at anintensity that is sufficient to achieve a significant permanentreshaping of human head hair. They fail to disclose methods of treatingthe hair, as disclosed herein.

Thus, despite the use of infrared emitting materials (i.e. tourmalines,ceramics, silicates, etc.) in commercially available products, theseproducts fail to provide the type of energy needed to effect a permanentreshaping of human hair through disulfide bond reorganization. Nothingin these commercially available products suggests the hair rollers andmethods of use, according to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a hair roller (a.k.a. curler, setter) thatemits electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that directly affect thedisulfide (S—S) bonds in hair, and possibly alters secondary structureof hair proteins, as well. The invention includes methods of perminghair and a kit of infrared emitting hair rollers.

The wavelength and intensity of the radiation are controlled, andsufficient to break and/or weaken enough disulfide bonds, and possiblyalter secondary protein structure, so that hair reshaping can occur.Such techniques are non-chemical. By “non-chemical” we mean that thereis no need for a user to apply a molecule that acts as a reagent orcatalyst in respect of disulfide bond cleavage and reformation. By“non-chemical” we further mean that pure energy is supplied to thedisulfide bonds in hair. In this way, we may avoid all or most of thedamage associated with chemical treatments. By supplying a radiationthat is specific to, and resonant with, the disulfide bond, collateraldamage is minimized. The hair may not swell at all, and lipids in theexocuticle are not damaged. Also, as soon as the rollers are tuned offor removed, the process of bond cleavage stops, unlike mixtures ofreagents which cannot be separated, and the reaction runs until one ormore reagents are exhausted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a hair shaping, infrared emitting rolleraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a roller cover, having electric leadsnear the top and bottom.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of a base for infrared emitting rollers, that alsoserves as a recharging base.

FIG. 4 shows a roller cover being slipped onto a roller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a hair roller that emits infrared light.Unlike most infrared emitting devices in the prior art, the intensityand wavelength profile of the radiation emitted from the rollers issufficient to break and/or weaken enough disulfide bonds, so that hairreshaping can occur. Alteration of secondary protein structure may alsobe occurring. This is unlike those prior art disclosures wherein lightis used as an adjunct to other manipulations of the disulfide bonds, asin U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,179 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,653, and describedabove.

Throughout the specification, the word “permanent” in reference to hairreshaping treatments, means that the shape of the hair is maintaineduntil the hair grows out or undergoes another perming treatment.Preferably, if the treated hair is exposed only to ambient atmosphericconditions, the new shape is maintained for at least one week, morepreferably, at least one month and most preferably, at least two months.Furthermore, if treated hair is saturated (i.e. during bathing), the newshape may be lost, however, “permanent” also means that, once dried,saturated hair will revert to it's post treatment shape, to asubstantial degree.

Throughout the specification, “comprising” is open-ended, meaning that acollection of objects is not necessarily limited to those recited.

The roller (1) comprises a hollow cylindrical shaft (1 a). Inside theshaft are one or more sources of infrared radiation (1 b) and powersource (1 c) to activate the sources of IR radiation. The cylindricalshaft is such that, when the IR light source is on, a hairshaping-effective amount of infrared light can escape from the shaft. Ina preferred embodiment, the cylindrical shaft is translucent ortransparent. In another embodiment, the shaft has a number of holes (1d) that pass from the interior of the shaft to the outer surface of theshaft. Optionally, the shaft may be translucent/transparent and alsohave holes. Suitable transparent/translucent materials include plastics(i.e. polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate), glassand glass-ceramics.

The disulfide (S—S) bonds in hair are a form of tertiary proteinstructure. While not wishing to be bound by anyone theory, the infraredlight emitted by the rollers is sufficient to break and/or weaken enoughdisulfide bonds, so that hair reshaping can occur. However, it may bethat the infrared light emitted by the rollers also affects secondarystructure of hair proteins, such as changing the amounts of alpha-helixstructure, beta sheet structure, alpha-beta structure and coiled-coilstructure. We have observed that to achieve “permanent” reshaping of thehair, the electromagnetic radiation provided must be of the rightwavelengths. If the wavelengths do not correspond to the differences inenergy levels of the disulfide bonds or multiples thereof, then thebonds will not be excited. Furthermore, if the intensity is too low,then too few disulfide bonds will make it to the continuum state,because an excited bond will fall back to a lower energy level beforeabsorbing another photon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,490 suggests that a rangeof wavelengths of about 0.15 to 30 μm, is preferred. To be effective forhair perming, as defined herein, the hair rollers of the presentinvention emit radiation over a substantial portion of the wavelengthrange of 0.15 to 30 μm. Preferably, the emitted radiation covers thewhole range of 0.15 to 30 μm. However, it is also preferable if, withinthe 0.15 to 30 μm range, the maximum wavelength is between 10 to 30 μm.

In addition to having the right wavelength, the hair shaping rollers ofthe present invention must emit electromagnetic radiation at anintensity that is useful to reshape human hair. An intensity isconsidered “useful to reshape human hair” if the hair being treated canbe reshaped in a commercially acceptable amount of time. By“commercially acceptable amount of time” we mean less than one hour,more preferably, less than 30 minutes, more preferably still, less than10 minutes, most preferably less than about 5 minutes. This time toreshape hair is measured as follows. After a roller according to thepresent invention is applied to a tress of hair, the time to reshape thetress is measured from the moment the roller begins to emit infraredlight, until the light is turned off or removed. In general, a greaterintensity means more photons which means more disulfide bonds are beingbroken and being broken faster. In general, the greater the intensity ofthe radiation supplied by the roller, the more dramatic the effect ofhair reshaping and/or the effect is achieved in a shorter amount oftime.

Sources of infrared radiation (1 b) include light emitting diodes,infrared light bulbs, activated materials that naturally emit in the IRpart of the spectrum, and others. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, an array of LEDs is located inside the cylindrical shaft (1a) of the roller (1). The LEDs in the array are distributed more or lessuniformly over the interior surface of the cylindrical shaft. In thisway, the infrared light emanating from the cylindrical shaft is roughlyconstant over the surface of the roller. The LEDs may be electricallyconnected by any suitable means including using printed circuittechnology to deposit conductive material on the inner surface of theroller. Alternatively, the LED array may be fashioned separately fromthe roller and later, positioned into the roller interior. In this case,the LED array might rest on a flexible substrate having conductivematerial deposited thereon to form an electrical circuit. The flexiblenature of the substrate would facilitate assembling the LED array intothe roller. These examples of fashioning an LED array are illustrativeonly, and many methods may be apparent to a person skilled in theelectronic arts. Also, rather than an array of LEDs (which work on theprinciple of electroluminescence), a single electric light source may beuseful. Light bulbs (which work on the principle of incandescence),having an IR wavelength profile described above, will be useful.

Alternatively or additionally, the source of infrared radiation (1 b)may be one or more materials that emit in the infrared region, whenactivated. Activation is typically achieved by raising the temperatureof the emitter material, so that the emitting material emits in IR lightat a useful intensity. A potential “useful” material is one that doesnot require an unacceptably long time to effect the desired change. Forexample, if reshaping the hair would require 3 hours or more, then thatmaterial is less suitable or not at all suitable for use in the presentinvention, because such a product has low commercial viability. So, by“activation” of the material, we specifically mean that the activatedmaterial emits IR light at a wavelength and intensity that is effectiveto reshape human hair in a commercially acceptable amount of time (i.e.less than three hours; more preferably, less than one hour; mostpreferably, less than ten minutes).

In general, greater IR light intensity means more photons, which meansmore disulfide bonds (tertiary structure) are being broken and beingbroken faster and/or more secondary structure is being altered. So, thegreater the intensity of the applied radiation, the more dramatic theeffect of hair reshaping and/or the effect is achieved in a shorteramount of time. To a large extent, the temperature of an emittingmaterial determines the intensity and wavelength distribution ofradiation emitted by the material. In hair styling, hair may generallybe exposed to temperatures at least as high as about 200° C., forexample. Therefore, a potential suitable material is one that whenheated above room temperature (say about 25° C.) emits electromagneticradiation in a range of wavelengths that are able to excite disulfidebonds within the environment of human hair, and at an intensity that isuseful to reshape human hair. Preferably, a useful intensity of IR isnot achieved until the temperature of the emitting material reachesabout 40° C. This will prevent unwanted reshaping of the hair due toaccidentally activating the emitting material too soon. Preferably, theemitting material is activated at a temperature not exceeding about 175°C. This will protect the hair from heat damage.

The source of heat or activation energy for an emitting material may bea hairdryer. Common handheld hairdryers, and professional hairdryers areable to raise the temperature of the emitting material to 175° C. ormore. Alternatively or additionally, the rollers of the presentinvention may comprise a heating element, such as a resistive heatingelement, that is able to raise the temperature of the emitting materialto its activation temperature.

Some useful materials may include tourmalines, especially red, black,green, and brown tourmalines, although others may be useful. Alsouseful, may be various ceramics and non-metals that emit radiation inthe near and middle infrared. Graphite, gypsum and clays may be examplesof useful non-metals. As a matter of efficiency, it is preferable if theemitting material has an IR emissivity above 90%, at the workingtemperatures described herein. Any candidate material must satisfy thecriteria discussed above.

Regardless of the type of source of IR light, it is preferable if theamount of UV light emitted by the IR light source (1 b) is negligible,from a skin safety point of view. So a light source that is otherwiseuseful from an infrared point of view, is not useful if it gives off askin damaging amount of UV. Optionally, but maybe preferably, the IRsource emits enough visible light, that a user can readily see when aroller is activated.

Each roller of the present invention includes a DC power source (1 c)that provides energy to the source of IR radiation (1 b). For example,when the IR source is an LED array or a light bulb, the power sourceprovides electric current at a suitable amperage to produce a usefulamount of IR radiation. Accordingly, associated with each roller is abattery or capacitor or other charge storing device. Preferably, thecharge storing device is located inside the cylindrical shaft (1 a) ofthe roller (1), out of view and out of the way. The charge storingdevice has a positive and a negative electrical lead for connectingelectrically to the IR source. Optionally, an on-off switch that isoperable by a user, is included in a electric circuit of the IR sourceand charge storing device. Preferably, the charge storing device isrechargeable and/or safely disposable. Preferably, the charge storingdevice can be removed from the electric circuit of the roller, so thatit may be disposed of separately from the roller.

As noted, the charge storing device may be a capacitor or one or morebatteries that, along with the IR light source, fit inside cylindricalshaft (1 a). Common household batteries, such as those used inflashlights and smoke detectors, selected to provide the motor with theproper current and voltage, are preferred. These typically include whatare known as AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt batteries. Other batteries thatmay be appropriate are those commonly found in cell phones, hearingaides, wrist watches and 35 mm cameras. The present invention is notlimited by the type of chemistry used in the battery. Examples ofbattery chemistry include: zinc-carbon (or standard carbon), alkaline,lithium, nickel-cadmium (rechargeable), nickel-metal hydride(rechargeable), lithium-ion, zinc-air, zinc-mercury oxide andsilver-zinc chemistries.

Optionally, the electronic portion of a hair roller according to thepresent invention may comprise an IR light source which intensity isvariable and, perhaps, controllable by a user. The roller circuit mayinclude a micro controller or other logic circuit, variable resistorsand/or capacitors or any well known means for controlling the lightoutput of the IR sources. Optionally, the electronic circuitry of a hairroller according to the present invention may include a programmableelement that controls the intensity and duration of IR light. Theprogrammable element may also control communication with the userthrough sound or light signals that direct the user to take some action(i.e. an audible beep that signals the user that the IR light has turnedof and she may remove the roller).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a roller cover (2)is associated with each roller (1). The roller cover is an approximatelysemi circular shaft that surrounds a portion of the roller, after atress of hair has been wound onto the roller. To accommodate the cover,each roller may be provided with clip points (1 e). Each roller has aclip point at each end of the cylindrical shaft (1 a), and each rollerhas a space (2 a) at each end of the roller cover, to receive the clippoints of the roller. The cover has several functions. It holds the hairplace around the roller. It prevents IR light from escaping onto otherportions of the hair.

Optionally, the internal surface of the roller cover (2) may reflect IRlight. This would increase efficiency, since more of the IR light wouldbe absorbed by the hair. Alternatively, the internal surface of theroller cover may comprise a primary or secondary source of infraredlight. An array of IR lights, as described above for the roller, couldalso or alternatively be associated with the inside of the roller cover.In fact, as a matter of design choice, any of the circuitry discussedherein, may be associated with the roller or with the roller cover,which work in tandem. The embodiments described herein, are non-limitingexamples.

In a preferred embodiment of the roller cover (2), the roller covercompletes the electric circuit of the IR source (1 b), when the cover isplaced over the roller (1). In this embodiment, the portion of theelectric circuit associated with the roller begins at on of two electricleads (1 f), positioned on or near one of two clip points (1 e) of theroller. The circuit passes through the charge storing device (1 c) andthrough the IR source, and then extends to the second of two electricleads on or near the second of two clip points. The electric leads onthe or near the clip points are accessible to make electrical contactwith the roller cover. The rest of the circuit is associated with theroller cover. Electrical contacts (2 b) are provided near the space ateach end of the cover. The electrical contacts on a single roller areconnected by a conductor (2 c) that may run between the electricalcontacts along the inside of the cover. When the roller cover is clippedonto the roller, the electrical contacts (2 b) of the cover contact theelectric leads (1 f) of the clip points, to complete a flow path.Electricity from the charge storing device (1 c) flows around thecircuit, activating the IR source (1 b). When the cover is removed fromthe roller, the current stops and the IR source goes dim. In thisembodiment, a switch in the more conventional sense is not needed, butmay optionally be provided also.

Furthermore, although other hair shaping treatments or methods could becombined with the principles of the present invention, a preferred hairshaping roller according to the present invention, is one that suppliesenough of the right kind of electromagnetic radiation, to reshape thehair to any desired shape, no adjunct treatments being needed.

Methods

The present invention includes methods of using the hair shapingrollers, herein described. A basic method includes providing a rolleraccording to the present invention; securing a tress of hair about theroller, which stresses the disulfide bonds in the hair (and may stresssecondary protein structures, as well); activating the roller to emitphotons that are able to cleave disulfide bonds; and causing the photonsto be directly absorbed by the disulfide bonds in the hair. The step ofactivation may include switching on an LED circuit or a resistivecircuit, associated with the roller. Methods may include washing thehair before or after treatment. Methods may include repeatingapplication to the same section of hair or using an adjunct treatment onthe same section of hair. Methods may include a step of covering theroller and hair tress with a cover, to prevent light leakage to otherparts of the hair outside the tress being treated.

A Kit

A kit according to the present invention includes multiple infraredemitting rollers and a base (3) for holding the rollers. For example, akit may comprise 8 or 10 or 12 rollers and a base having a slot (3 a)for each roller. Optionally, the base is also a charging station for therollers, to replenish the electrical capacity of the batteries orcapacitors inside the cylindrical shafts (1 a) of the rollers. In thiscase, the base includes an electrical lead (3 b) for connecting to an ACpower source and any necessary transformers or circuitry typical ofbattery recharging devices. The base may be designed to receive therollers into the slots, with or without the roller covers (2) in place,or both. However, when the base is charging station and the roller coveris not received with the roller, then sufficient circuitry may need tobe provided to form a closed circuit, through which the charge storingdevices may be recharged. Optionally, the electronic circuitry of thebase may include a programmable element. The programmable element maycontrol communication with the user through sound or light signals (i.e.to alert the user that the rollers are charged and ready for use). Thecircuitry may be readily comprehended by a person of ordinary skill inthe electrical arts.

What is claimed is:
 1. An infrared emitting hair roller that emitselectromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that directly cleave disulfidebonds in hair.
 2. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 1comprising: a hollow cylindrical shaft having an interior, an innersurface and an outer surface; one or more sources of infrared radiationinside the shaft; a power source capable of activating the one or moresources of infrared radiation.
 3. The infrared emitting hair roller ofclaim 2 wherein the cylindrical shaft is such that, when the infraredradiation sources are on, a hair shaping-effective amount of infraredlight can escape from the shaft.
 4. The infrared emitting hair roller ofclaim 3 wherein the shaft has a number of holes that pass from theinterior of the shaft to the outer surface of the shaft.
 5. The infraredemitting hair roller of claim 3 wherein the shaft is translucent ortransparent.
 6. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 5 wherein theshaft is made out of polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate,polycarbonate, glass or glass-ceramic.
 7. The infrared emitting hairroller of claim 2 wherein the one or more sources of infrared radiationcomprises an array of light emitting diodes located inside thecylindrical shaft of the roller.
 8. The infrared emitting hair roller ofclaim 7 wherein the light emitting diodes are electrically connected tothe power source by using printed circuit technology to depositconductive material on the inner surface of the roller.
 9. The infraredemitting hair roller of claim 7 wherein the array of light emittingdiodes rests on a flexible substrate having conductive materialdeposited thereon.
 10. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 2wherein the one or more sources of infrared radiation comprises one ormore incandescent bulbs.
 11. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim2 wherein the one or more sources of infrared radiation comprises one ormore materials that naturally emit in the infrared part of the spectrum.12. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 11, wherein the one ormore emitting materials must be activated to emit in the infrared partof the spectrum.
 13. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 12,wherein the emitting material is activated by heating to a temperatureabove 25° C.
 14. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 13, furthercomprising a heating element that is able to raise the temperature ofthe emitter material to 40° C. to 175° C.
 15. The infrared emitting hairroller of claim 12, wherein, once activated, the one or more emittingmaterials emit infrared radiation at a wavelength and intensity that iseffective to reshape human hair in less than ten minutes.
 16. Theinfrared emitting hair roller of claim 12, wherein the one or moreemitting materials are selected from the group consisting oftourmalines, ceramics, graphite, gypsums, and clays.
 17. The infraredemitting hair roller of claim 2 wherein the one or more sources ofinfrared radiation emits a negligible amount of UV light, from a skinsafety point of view.
 18. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 2wherein the power source is a charge storing device located inside thecylindrical shaft.
 19. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 18wherein the charge storing device is rechargeable and/or can be removedfrom the electric circuit of the roller for disposal.
 20. The infraredemitting hair roller of claim 2 in which the intensity of the infraredradiation source is variable, and controllable by a user.
 21. Theinfrared emitting hair roller of claim 2 further comprising an on-offswitch that is operable by a user.
 22. The infrared emitting hair rollerof claim 2 further comprising a roller cover that can be placed over theroller and removed from the roller.
 23. The infrared emitting hairroller of claim 22 in which the roller cover completes an electriccircuit between the power source and the IR source, when the cover isplaced over the roller.
 24. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim22 wherein an internal surface of the roller cover reflects infraredradiation.
 25. The infrared emitting hair roller of claim 22 wherein aninternal surface of the roller cover comprises source of infrared light.26. A method of perming hair comprising the steps of: providing aninfrared emitting hair roller that emits electromagnetic radiation atwavelengths that directly affect the disulfide bonds in hair; securing atress of hair about the roller; activating the roller to emit photonsthat are able to cleave disulfide bonds; and causing the photons to bedirectly absorbed by the disulfide bonds in the hair.
 27. The method ofclaim 26 further comprising the step of covering the roller and hairtress with a roller cover, to prevent light leakage to other parts ofthe hair outside the tress being treated.
 28. A kit comprising: multipleinfrared emitting rollers, each roller comprising: a hollow cylindricalshaft having an interior; one or more sources of infrared radiationinside the shaft; an electric charge storing device inside the shaft,electrically connected to the one or more sources of infrared radiation;and a base for holding the rollers, wherein the base is also a chargingstation for the charge storing devices.
 29. The kit of claim 28 whereinthe base comprises electronic circuitry that includes a programmableelement.